Distill & Discover: Alcohol Museum in Newark on Trent
Architecture: BArch
Esong Stacy Besong
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Atelier 01: Cabinet of Curiosities
Spatial Concept
The spatial concept of my project follows the narrative of distill, discover, and celebrate. Each floor is designed to reflect a different stage of the journey. The ground floor centres on the making and tasting experience, with micro-distilleries, bars, and food zones arranged for functional clarity and flow. The first floor shifts toward learning and reflection, housing exhibition spaces, workshops, and educational areas. The second floor is dedicated to celebration, featuring event and party spaces that open out to views of the river. Material choices support the concept: Corten steel reflects the industrial and brewing context, cork provides warmth and acoustic control, and frosted glass allows for diffused light and privacy.
Project
This project reimagines a micro-distillery as an immersive public experience, bringing together production, education, and celebration under one roof. Split across three levels, the design balances functionality with atmosphere. Materials like corten steel echo the raw, industrial process of brewing, while cork softens the acoustic and visual impact in public areas. Frosted glass is used to filter light and preserve moments of privacy while still encouraging transparency. Structural elements like glulam beams express the building’s form with warmth and honesty. The architecture supports a clear spatial rhythm from open bar areas to quiet educational zones and lively upper-floor event spaces. The river-facing terraces and atrium further connect the building to its context.
